Dear Parishioners:

Any good start needs an ending; and here I stand at the brink of my departure from Springfield to my next assignment in Arizona. I look at it with gratification and joy. Thank you for your part in my journey. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, I would say, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” You have made a difference in my life. I hope and believe that I have done my part for the parish of Sacred Heart to be best of my knowledge and ability.

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well,” said Voltaire. I can say with confidence that all the projects, achievements and activities that have occurred, the history of this parish in the past years, and of course with all their ‘good and bad’, ups and downs, you have stood by me and worked with me. The outcome belongs to us all. May God be praised for the good works done for the entire parish irrespective of cast and creed.

Without enumerating more and more as achievements, we can be happy that the Lord has been working with us in all that we havedone. And so, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

As I make my journey to my new assignment, I want you to know that I will never forget my time here at Sacred Heart. The love and appreciation you have shown me during my years as your Pastor will remain with me always. God bless each of you, until we meet again.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Gaspar Masilamani, CMF, Pastor